Mrs Alice Tearle

Life before Stowe

I did a Masters in Languages with Law and Economics at the University of Paris, before embarking on an career as an interpreter. Having spent one year at the ESIT (Ecole Supèrieure des Interprètes et des Traducteurs) in Paris, I realised that if I wanted to marry James, to whom I was engaged by then, I wouldn't be able to work as a French or German interpreter in England! I then spent a year in Oxford doing a PGCE and came straight to Stowe.

What do you enjoy most about Stowe?

The feeling of community, especially if you live on-site: not just among the staff, but also amongst Stoics. Like in a big family, there is never a dull moment!

What is your favourite Lesson?

I must say that I love teaching grammar as it is not as hard as the pupils fear it might be - on the contrary, a language falls into place when you understand how it is put together.

What do others say about you?

Stoics often speculate where I come from. My French students think I am French and my German students think I am German. In fact I am both – my mother is German and my father was French. They also wonder how many languages I speak, but that shall remain a secret!

Other hats

Head of German and in charge of the Modern Language Assistants.

Passions

Being a mum to two gorgeous girls, music, skiing and travelling around the world.